Kishida: 2023 to turn new page in bilateral relations
relations, and how we can further improve it.”
The Japanese premier said the international community is facing a situation which is “shaking the foundation of the rules-based international order”.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of international law and is absolutely unacceptable,” he said, noting that both Japan and Cambodia had co-sponsored the UN resolution denouncing Russia’s military action.
He added that he had discussed the situation in Myanmar with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who told him that Cambodia is eager to “find a solution” to the conflict during its chairmanship of ASEAN.
“I am of the view that through the experiences of war, Cambodian people have special ideas about achieving peace, and I would like to cooperate with the Cambodian government to find ways to realise peace and stability in the region and in the world.
“2023 is the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia. Let us turn a new page in Japan-Cambodia cooperation!” he said.
Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), said Kishida’s visit to Cambodia has “immensely strengthened” Japan-Cambodia relations.
“The Japanese government is one of the biggest donors to the mine action sector in the Kingdom, in particular to CMAC, and has provided generous grant assistance,” he said, adding that the aid has extended to technical equipment such as demining machines, detection systems, demining toolboxes, demining logistics and financial support.
Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, said Japan views Cambodia as an important strategic partner in the Southeast Asian region and has consistently tried to find political commonalities.
“Cambodia and Japan try to support and defend each other on their political agenda and on international issues,” he said, citing the example of both countries co-sponsoring
Through the experiences of war, the Cambodian people have special ideas about achieving peace
the UN Resolution deploring Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine.
Vannak noted that Japan sees Cambodia as an important player in the Mekong River strategy, wherein all countries along the river play an important role in maritime geopolitical issues which challenge China’s presence in the region.
Japan also values Cambodia’s participation in the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” concept it first introduced in 2016, and which has been backed by the US, Vannak said.
“With the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ concept, Japan sees ASEAN and member state Cambodia playing a role in supporting its strategic interest and influence in the region,” he said.